Tree Notes is about trees -- especially native trees, trees for wildlife, and trees in history.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Identifying pines

Some native pines of the United States, listed by the number of needles per bundle

One of the first steps in identifying pine trees is counting the number of needles per bundle. Then, notice the average length of the needles. Look at the type of bark the tree has. Pay attention to the size and shape of the pine cones on or beneath the tree. Observe the height and general shape of the tree. Finally, consider the location in which the tree is growing. These are clues that you can take to a field guide to help identify the tree.

Here are a few of the native pines of the United States, listed by the number of needles per bundle they have. I've also noted their natural range (in very general terms). Their Latin names are linked to a tree identification page at the Virginia Tech Dendrology website.

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comments -- please add yours:

Wow - this has been so helpful - thanks for taking the time not only to find but to share the information! We are doing the Outdoor Hour Challenge this week, and with 10 trees in our neighborhood park to ID, this will be a great help!

Thank you. This has been very helpful. I live in a location that used to be a tree farm and I always wondered just what type of pines we have - they appear to be Eastern White Pines. I have many seedlings sprouting under several of them & I want to transplant them and space them for (hopefully) long term success. Identification was the first step!

Hi! I'm from NW Oregon, but I've planted an Italian Stone Pine in my yard. It's doing well. I found your blog when I wanted to verify the different numbers of needles that pine trees have. Your blog is so straightforward with the information: two, three, four & five--and all the pine that live in those groups. Thanks! I've signed up to follow you. It will be an interesting ride.

Enrich your life with the study of trees.

"The power to recognize trees at a glance without examining their leaves or flowers or fruit as they are seen, for example, from the car-window during a railroad journey, can only be acquired by studying them as they grow under all possible conditions over wide areas of territory. Such an attainment may not have much practical value, but once acquired it gives to the possessor a good deal of pleasure which is denied to less fortunate travelers."

I am Genevieve Netz, and I live in Christian County, Kentucky. My e-mail address is gnetz51@gmail.com.

I have studied native trees for many years. However, I am a hobbyist, not a trained arborist or forester. I don't give advice about tree diseases, parasites, etc. I don't provide tree identifications, and I don't recommend trees to plant. Please understand that I ignore emails with these sorts of questions.